CD4+ T Cells Are Dispensable for Induction of Broad Heterologous HIV Neutralizing Antibodies in Rhesus Macaques.

ABSTRACT: Induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is a major goal for HIV vaccine development. HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env)-specific bNAbs isolated from HIV-infected individuals exhibit substantial somatic hypermutation and correlate with T follicular helper (Tfh) responses. Using the VC10014 DNA-protein co-immunization vaccine platform consisting of gp160 plasmids and gp140 trimeric proteins derived from an HIV-1 infected subject that developed bNAbs, we determined the characteristics of the Env-specific humoral response in vaccinated rhesus macaques in the context of CD4+ T cell depletion. Unexpectedly, both CD4+ depleted and non-depleted animals developed comparable Tier 1 and 2 heterologous HIV-1 neutralizing plasma antibody titers. There was no deficit in protection from SHIV ch

SUBMITTER: Sarkar S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8564110 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature